UU and Peel Energy scale back wind expansion plans

United Utilities (UU) and Peel Energy have scaled back the expansion plans for its Scout Moor Windfarm, avoiding the need for Planning Inspectorate approval.

The companies jointly submitted planning applications to Rochdale and Rossendale councils for permission to build 16 new turbines at the site, scaled back in size from 26 additional turbines in December last year, with Peel Energy saying this was in response to public feedback.

The generating capacity of the proposed windfarm expansion is less than 50MW, meaning the project will no longer be a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project and require approval from the Planning Inspectorate. This will add to the 65MW capacity of the existing 29 turbine windfarm.

If the plans are approved by the councils, they will include: a long term restoration plan for the moorland, which will improve the water quality; build paths for pedestrians and horse riders linking wind farm access tracks to existing public rights of way; and offer up to £750,000 a year for local authorities in business rate retention and local jobs and order procurement.

Peel Energy development director for wind Jon England said: “The expansion also presents an opportunity to build on our relationships with surrounding communities, providing much needed funding for a range of initiatives and using the wind farm as a valuable resource for recreation and education.

“The expansion would also mean the restoration of around 900 hectares of peat moorland which has becoming badly degraded due to a combination of wildfire and over-grazing of sheep.”

UU business development director Jonathan Hodgkin added: “An expansion to the wind farm provides an opportunity to improve areas of heavily degraded peat moor as well as to protect and enhance wildlife habitat areas and water quality sources on Scout Moor.”

UU and Peel Energy say they hope a positive decision will be made by the summer.